Scripture says, "Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25). "So husbands ought to love their own wives as
their own bodies" (Ephesians 5:28). "And let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). Also "they admonish
the young women to love their husbands" (Titus 2:4).
When we are in a relationship with someone it is important to let that person know that we care for them,
honor them, respect them, and love them. This time I am directing my comments to the wives.
I received this piece the other day in my E-Mail. I guess somebody thought it was funny. "Because my parents were married on August 27th, my dad gives my mom an ‘anniversary’
card on the 27th of every month as a way of showing her how much he loves her and appreciates their 40 years together.
I was talking to Dad this weekend and he told me that when he gave Mom her most recent card she told him,
‘I'm so glad you do this every month. It reminds me it's time to give the dogs their flea medication.’"
Unless there was some other affirmation from wife to husband, this off hand, not so funny remark could have
really hurt. Just imagine a person going out of their way every month for forty years to let their spouse know that he or
she is loved, just to have it thrown back in their face.
I imagine that the husband in this little story laughed, but it may just have been the last anniversary card
she ever got, unless, as I have said, she has been affirming her love for him and her appreciation for his thoughtfulness
in some other way down through the years.
As I have said before, men have feelings. Like anyone else they need confirmation that there is someone who
regards them as having value and that someone loves and appreciates them.
In my last KEY TO LIFE column I ended with the statement that "a man who is secure in his manhood can do anything."
The wife can contribute immeasurably to his self image or she can emasculate him.
